Uneasy calm prevailed in violence-hit Manipur on Friday as Article 355 is imposed in the state, various security forces were deployed in the state, and internet and data services remained suspended across the state for the second day.
The Centre had rushed in several security forces in an effort to control the violent clash between the tribal communities and the Meitei community that spiraled out of control and left several dead and several others injured.
As many as 1075 personnel of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in Manipur late Thursday after the government imposed Article 355 in the state in an effort to control the law and order situation in the state, according to official sources.
It may be mentioned that Article 355 is a part of emergency provisions contained in the Constitution of India that empower the Central government to take all necessary steps to protect a state against internal disturbances and external aggression.
The RAF personnel were transported in Indian Air Force flight IL/76, the sources said, adding that the RAF personnel are brought in from Delhi, Punjab, Tripura and Mumbai.
According to sources, five Deputy Inspector General (DIG) rank officers and seven senior superintendent of police (SSP) and SP rank officers of the CRPF have been tasked with coordinating the deployment of various security forces in the state.
The government also appointed Ashutosh Sinha, ADGP (Intelligence), as the overall Operational Commander on Thursday to control the situation and bring normalcy to the state.
According to a government order issued on Thursday, Ashutosh Sinha will work under the guidance and supervision of Kuldeep Singh, Advisor Security, Manipur.
The order stated that the magistrates concerned will detail the required executive magistrates/special executive magistrates as and when required and requisitioned.
Earlier on Thursday, the chief minister, in his address to the people of the state, appealed to all to maintain peace and harmony in the state.
According to sources, several villages were hit, houses and other structures were set ablaze, and many lives were lost and properties damaged in the violence that spread on Wednesday-Thursday. Thousands of people are reportedly displaced.
The unprecedented violence followed the Tribal Solidarity March against the ST demand of the Meitei/Meetei community in Manipur conducted in the hill districts of the state on May 3. The tribal solidarity march was called by the All Tribal Students Union Manipur on Wednesday in all tribal-inhabited hill districts of the state.
Meanwhile, internet or data services, including broadband viz Reliance Jio Fiber, Airtel Extreme Black, BSNL FTTH, have been suspended in Manipur for the next five days with immediate effect, according to the government order issued on Thursday in view of the prevailing tense law and order situation in the state.
According to the order issued on Thursday (May 4), all mobile service providers have been directed to ensure compliance of the order to ban Internet or data services for the next five days in the state immediately.
Thursday's (May 4) order has been issued "in continuance of the May 3 State Home Department's order regarding temporary suspension of mobile data services in Manipur for a period of five days in view of the prevailing law and order situation in the state and in exercise of the powers conferred under Rule 2 of Temporary Suspension of Telcom Services Rules 2017.
The order to ban Internet or data services was passed in view of the emergent situation, "to prevent any disturbances of peace and public order in Manipur for the next five days with immediate effect from the time of the suspension order becomes operational".
"Any person found guilty for violation of the orders will be liable for legal action" added the order issued by the Home department, Manipur, on Thursday (May 4, 2023).
Related:
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Manipur Violence: Congress submits memorandum to Governor; seeks Centre's help
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Curfew imposed in several districts of Manipur as violence breaks out over ST demand
